In the wake of the director Greta Gerwig’s new movie, Barbie, the internet has gone wild for multiple reasons. The all-star cast has left anticipators on the edge of their seats, and the outfits have left anyone interested in fashion– or simply watched the Mattel animated movies– wanting more. Here’s a list and a brief history of some of Barbie’s most iconic outfits throughout the years.
“Original Barbie”
The Barbie doll first debuted in March of 1959 and has since become one of the most beloved toys on the market. With over 40 Mattel-animated Barbie movies, a YouTube channel, and two TV shows, it was only a matter of time before the doll made its debut in the live-action film world. Barbara Millicent Roberts, nicknamed Barbie, made her first appearance in an iconic black and white swimsuit. In true fashion, the Greta Gerwig movie presented the first trailer for the 2023 film back in late 2022, in which Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, makes an appearance in the original black and white swimsuit. Fans over the internet have been left wondering if the live-action film will recreate any other iconic looks.
“Miss Astronaut”
The first astronaut Barbie debuted in 1965, four years before humankind landed on the moon. The Barbie was a symbol of growing excitement toward the space program and space exploration.
1980 “Talking Christie”
The Christie Barbie doll made her first appearance on shelves in 1980 as part of the “Talking Barbie” collection with an iconic bold red dress with cut-off sleeves and gold details. Many Barbie fans consider Christie to be the first black Barbie, as it was the first time that Mattel made a black Barbie with a different face mold to highlight black features among black women. Though the outfit itself was iconic and gorgeous, the 1980 “Talking Christie” should be highlighted on this list as she was a major, and long overdue, accomplishment for the Barbie doll.
“Loving You”
The “Loving You” Barbie deserves praise, for an outfit that many would love to see adapted on the big screen– a white gown with puffy sleeves, embellished with red hearts all over. This Barbie makes for the best 1980s look for a Valentine’s Day date.
“Totally Hair”
“Totally Hair” Barbie became Mattel’s best-selling Barbie doll ever, with over 10 million dolls sold worldwide. The Barbie doll features hair that goes down to her ankles and a pink swirl-patterned dress that features a matching fuchsia headband.
“Kate Spade”
One of many collaborators with Mattel, the “Kate Spade” Barbie, took the market by storm in 2003 sporting a slicked-back ponytail, floral pink coat, olive pants—and of course, an adorable pooch. Though it is not likely that this outfit will be seen in the upcoming movie, a girl can dream.
“Producer Barbie”
With an array of film producers in today’s society, from Jerry Bruckheimer to Kathleen Kennedy, none are quite as stylish as “Producer Barbie,” who features a slick ginger mane and an olive-hued outfit that is very reminiscent of the early 2000s.
Though Barbie has had many styles throughout the decades, Gerwig’s Barbie brings a true youthfulness to the film, with fringe and intricate embroidery. The new “Barbie” has been crowned and is anticipated to be many people’s “Joker” this summer.
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